Just As I Am

  Today was handbell Sunday at church. The services are still virtual, but there are hints that people may be able to return in a few weeks. We recorded this on one of the practice runs before the service started because the service is streamed on the local cable channel, and I didn't want to be running through the scene to turn the camera on and off. Carleen announced that we were recording and asked people to be quiet, but there is still talking. Sorry about that.



Before this was chosen as a song we would play, I had been thinking about what song might best characterize Christianity in the 20th Century. I have decided that this is probably THE one. This was used as the closing for every Billy Graham Crusade. It was used as the closing at many a church service. It has very moving and powerful words.

The sermon was about grace. This was the altar decoration. I love all the handmade crosses.

This song was written by Charlotte Elliot in 1835. It has been sung to several tunes, but this is the best known, by William Bradbury. I'm including the lyrics. I'm sure most of us remember the first verse, but some of the others are quite timely almost 200 years later. I'm pretty sure I'd never heard the last stanza before!

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

In other news: I got groceries on the way home and did some promotional things in the afternoon.

See We Three Kings